SOLEX 2023: Grace’s Blog

Hi, my name is Grace; I’m 15 and have been doing 2 weeks of work experience at The HEX Group, learning various skills from across The Group. On my first day, I spent the day with the HEX Living team at the Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition (SOLEX) at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, getting my hands on products and talking to customers on the stand. 

I was greeted bright and early by the HEX Living team, and before long, I was on the stand as part of the team. Straight away, it was apparent it would be a busy day with lots of visitors, but the friendly and welcoming team were ready for the day ahead.  

As people arrived, I familiarised myself with the product range, from all weather garden furniture to luxury garden sheds. There really was something for everyone. What really stood out, though, was the quality. It is hard to describe, and until you see it in the flesh, hard to understand, but HEX Living products are unlike anything else on the market. One of the great things about a show like SOLEX is that your competition surrounds you, and you can see products practically side-by-side. As someone who, before this week, was not familiar with the outdoor living market, HEX Living stood out, and its durability and quality are the primary reason for that. With a lifetime warranty across its range, you can see every person’s belief and confidence in the product. This was reassuring, not only as a new member of the team but also as a potential customer.  

I was also pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of products HEX Living offered. Everything complements each other with the same modern, sleek look, from luxurious loungers to robust pergolas. Even the finishing touches, the scatter cushions and tool hangers, you can tell the attention to detail and thought that has gone into each product. I became more impressed as I learnt more about the business and its heritage as a British manufacturer. Everything has been carefully considered, from design to production and distribution. It is a unique story.  

As the day went on, I took time to speak to customers on the stand, asking what they thought of the products and the brand as they tested them for themselves. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the show was a roaring success.  

Thanks to the HEX Living team for inviting me down and making me feel welcome. It was a great day.